VICTORIA, Northern Samar – Four hundred eighty-one agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from different parts of this province received their individual Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Tuesday, November 12 this year.

DAR Assistant Secretary for External Affairs and Communications Operations Office, Rodolfo Castil Jr., led the distribution of the 592 electronically generated titles (e-titles) covering an aggregate area of 865.6872 hectares of farm lands. Castil explained that the e-titles were generated under the World Bank-assisted Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project after subdividing collective CLOAs previously issued to ARBs. SPLIT project subdivides lands covered by collective CLOAs to improve land tenure security and strengthen property rights of ARBs.

In his message, Castil told the recipients of the individual titles, “Patunay po ito na ang ating pangulo, si President Bongbong Marcos, ay committed na mabigyan kayo ng magandang kabuhayan.”

He also advised the beneficiaries to take care of the lands awarded to them under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), “Nang sa ganun meron mamamana ang inyong mga anak, mga apo, mga apo sa apo,” said Castil.

DAR Eastern Visayas Regional Director Robert Anthony Yu assisted Castil in the distribution of e-titles at the Stardome in this town, which is about 58 kilometers away from the provincial capital. He disclosed that the lands covered by the e-titles are situated in the towns of Bobon, Capul, Victoria, San Antonio and Gamay.

Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), joined Castil and Yu in the distribution rite.

Romualdez shared he was appointed RPOC chairman by the President “dahil sabi nya sa akin, mayor, make sure that this happen, na magkaroon ng titulo ang mga taga Region 8, lalo na sa Islang Samar.”

According to him, “Hiningi din ni President nung magmeeting kami with then 8ID head, General Ligayo, siguraduhin nyo na hindi aagawin sa kanila at walang kukuha ng mga lupa nila dahil para sa kanila yan.”

Land distribution is DAR’s contribution to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), a whole-of-nation approach to address insurgency in the country.

Meanwhile, Viviana Carmen, 50, a former tenant, and one of the e-title recipients, expressed gratitude to the President and to agrarian reform secretary, Conrado Estrella III. Carmen said, they need not give share to the former landowners anymore. They can use the money in buying their daily needs and in sending their children to school.

On the same occasion, Castil turned over to the local government unit of Catarman a check worth P20-million for the concreting of Barangay Cag-abaca-Barangay San Julian farm-to-market road.
(JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Key personnel from the Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) engage in a meaningful leadership experience during the 2024 Service Excellence Summit for Leaders (SESL), hosted by the Civil Service Commission Regional Office VIII (CSC RO VIII), held on November 13-14 at the Waterfront Hotel, Cebu City.

Among the TCDEO attendees were Chief Arlene A. Ballon of the Administrative Section, HRMO II Anna Larena C. Samson, and selected engineers and administrative staff. The event was also attended by esteemed employees from various National Government Agencies (NGAs) and Local Government Units (LGUs) across Region 8.

The event commenced with the ceremonial “Pasidungog” program, which recognizes exemplary public servants and agencies. During this ceremony, DPWH Region 8 received a plaque of recognition for achieving Prime-HRM Maturity Level 2.

The summit proper commenced with a welcome address by Atty. Marilyn E. Taldo, Director IV of CSC RO VIII, followed by insightful sessions featuring prominent speakers. Dr. Jacqueline M. Cheung highlighted the importance of mental health and well-being in public service, while Dr. Michelle Lynn O. Sanchez emphasized wellness as a sustainable lifestyle. Mr. Danilo M. Cerence shared strategies for impactful corporate social responsibility.

On the second day, the sessions focused on innovative workplace strategies. Dir. Ma. Natividad L. Costibolo of CSC Field Office-Leyte I led a session on effective learning management, while Dr. Lionel Joseph T. Sanchez, an interior designer from Sanchez Design Studio, Inc., discussed creative workplace redesign. Atty. Gina A. Crucio, Acting Director of CSC RO VIII, introduced the concept of “Completed Staff Work” as a tool for enhancing performance.

The summit concluded with critical updates on civil service policies and occupational safety and health standards for the public sector, presented by Atty. Chicano. The event ended with the awarding of certificates of completion and a group photo with CSC RO VIII officials.
(PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO) has announced the completion of a 1.243-kilometer farm-to-market road connecting the barangays of Maya and San Pedro in MacArthur town.
With a project budget of P14.8 million, the newly constructed road features Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP) with a width of 5 meters and reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings for enhanced visibility and safety.

District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura emphasized that the project, implemented in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), aims to boost the local economy by improving the transportation of agricultural products.

“This road project ensures better access for farmers, reducing transport costs and time, which directly increases their income,” Oppura stated. He added that the road also enhances the daily commute of students and residents, offering a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective travel option.

Barangay San Pedro chairman Rey E. Belleza expressed gratitude for the project, recalling the challenges residents faced when the road was unpaved.

“When it rained, the road became muddy, with deep potholes making travel uncomfortable, especially for students and employees heading to town,” Belleza said.

He noted that the new road has significantly eased travel, reducing time and costs for students and workers. Belleza also highlighted the employment opportunities the project brought to local residents during its construction.

Construction of the road began on July 12, 2024, and was completed on October 14, 2024, under the supervision of Go Solid Builders Inc., in collaboration with the DA.

The project is expected to greatly benefit the residents of Maya and San Pedro by providing a reliable and safe roadway, fostering economic growth, and improving the overall quality of life in the community.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)